Pastor Lemuel Russell was born December 24, 1955, at John Gaston Hospital, to the late Otris and Eugenia Baldwin Russell. He accepted Christ at an early age at Union Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert E. Plunkett. Pastor Russell matriculated through the Memphis City Schools system and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, home of the “Warriors” in May 1973. Pastor Russell obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from Memphis State University (University of Memphis) in 1986. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary in May of 2017 and was pursuing his doctoral degree focusing on discipleship.

Pastor Russell married his childhood and lifelong friend, Carol McGhee, on September 21, 1985. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Candace and Bethany. A quintessential “Girl Dad,” Lemuel parented his daughters with love, grace, patience and dedication. Teaching them how to mow the lawn and check the oil on a car, while spoiling them with dinner dates and thoughtful gifts; Lemuel took pride in being their daddy.

Lemuel was blessed with many gifts, which he used to the glory of God, and benefit of his family, friends, and colleagues. He also used his gifts to reinvent his career many times during his life. But his true passion was in technology. Employed as an IT professional at Rhodes College and Memphis Shelby County Schools, Lemuel shared his passion for technology with faculty, staff and students. He offered his time and talents to grow the media ministry at his church and other civic organizations. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Lemuel worked as a technical consultant to local businesses and non-profit organizations.

Initiated into the Beta Mu Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in the fall of 1976, Lemuel was a founding chapter member and proud Kappa man. Pastor Russell was a musicologist. From deejaying all of life’s celebrations to maintaining an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs, and digital music library, Lemuel’s love of music was a constant. He had a song for every situation and circumstance. I hear him saying now “…whatever my lot, thou hath taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

As Pastor of Testament of Hope “Community” Baptist Church, he was instrumental in the renovation of the unfinished storage area into a beautiful sanctuary. In 2021 he established an online campus. In 2022 a clothes closet was started for the community. In 2023 he developed a Discipleship Group Leaders Handbook. He worked tirelessly to follow the vision for His church…to build community, one family at a time and toward the furtherance of his assignment from God.

He believed in community and serving others. He served as Vice Moderator of the Whitehaven District; an active participant in The Concerned Pastors of Whitehaven, a group of religious leaders that organize community events and advocate for the Whitehaven community; a participant in the Church Developers Network (CDN); a certified “Prepare and Enrich” and “Prep 8” marriage counselor/facilitator. He was a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age"... -Matthew 28:19-20

Pastor Russell leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 39 years, Carol, and their two daughters, Dr. Candace Durham Harrell (Enri) and Bethany Durham; three grandsons, Elliston, Ean and Channing Harrell of Humble, Texas; two sisters, Sharon (Napoleon) Ollie and Pamela (Tony) Wells; and four brothers, Otis Russell, Narvell Baldwin, Christopher (Ella) Russell of Memphis and Harry (DJ) Russell of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also survived by a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pastor Russell was preceded in death by his parents, uncles, aunts, sister, Jacqueline Hendricks, and two brothers, Robert and John Russell.

Pastor Russell’s life would seem too short to many, but to those whose lives were touched by him, they understand that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity in which one lives. His smile and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Testament of Hope 466 W. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38109. Celebration of Life will Friday, June 14, 2024 11:00am at Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church 1248 Haynes St, Memphis, TN 38114

Interment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.